What is Rock Climbing?
Rock climbing is a sport in which participants climb up or across natural rock formations or man-made rock walls with the goal of reaching the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a pre-defined route. Rock climbing is similar to scrambling (another activity involving the scaling of hills and similar formations), but climbing is generally differentiated by its need for the use of the climber's hands to hold his or her own weight and not just provide balance.
Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, one that often tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility, and balance along with his or her mental control. It can be a dangerous sport and knowledge of proper climbing techniques and usage of specialized climbing equipment is crucial for the safe completion of routes.

A Short and Brief History of Rock Climbing.
One historical evidence is a Chinese watercolor belonging to 400 BC that depicts men climbing rocks. In the 12th century, native Americans who lived in southwest Anasazi, had carved steps and drilled holes to hold post on the steep cliffs in Chaco Canyon. In 1492, Antoine de Ville climbed Mont Aiguille, a rock tower in south of France. He used various skilled techniques to achieve this mission. Later, these same techniques were used to siege castles. In 1695, ropes were used to climb rocks. It was first used by Martin Martin of Scotland to climb St. Kilda. Rock climbing became popular in many European countries during the late 19th century. The first European country to give importance to this activity was Germany. A new trend is indoor rock climbing. Many rock climbing clubs in developed countries have facilities to install artificial rock ranges and cliffs as simulation landscape. A structure of Rocky Mountains is made of wood or resin. Indoor rock climbing eliminates the risks of outdoor rock climbing. Apart from that, in places where there are no natural cliffs, a rock climber could enjoy indoor rock climbing. This has become one of the fastest growing sports of the 21st century.

What are the different types of Rock Climbing?
There are a few types of Rock Climbing in this modern world. However, only a handful of them are commonly used these days.

Free Climbing : the most commonly used method to ascend climbs refers to climbs where the climber's own physical strength and skill are relied on to accomplish the climb. Free climbing may rely on top rope belay systems, or on lead climbing to establish protection and the belay stations. Anchors, ropes, and protection are used to back up the climber and are passive as opposed to active ascending aids. Subtypes of free climbing are trad climbing and sport climbing. Free climbing is generally done as "clean lead" meaning no pitons or pins are used as protections.

Lead Climbing : one person, called the "leader", will climb from the ground up with rope directly attached (and not through a top anchor) while the other, called the "second", belays the leader. Because the climbing rope is of a fixed length, the leader can only climb a certain distance. Thus longer routes are broken up into several "pitches". At the top of a pitch, the leader sets up an anchor, and then belays the "second" up to the anchor. In simpler terms, the climber will hook a clip to a metal pitch and attach his rope in the clip. This attached rope will prevent the climber from falling. Once both are at the anchor, the leader begins climbing the next pitch and so on until they reach the top.

Bouldering : is climbing on short, low routes without the use of the safety rope that is typical of most other styles. Protection, if used at all, typically consists of a cushioned bouldering pad below the route and/or a spotter, a person that watches from below and directs the fall of the climber away from hazardous areas. Bouldering may be an arena for intense and relatively safe competition, resulting in exceptionally high difficulty standards. The climber is only allowed to hold onto and step onto certain tilings. Bouldering is a style that test a climber's strengths, strategy and endurance.


This is just the first part of my blog which is the brief description of my goal. My proper rock climbing trainings are held on Monday and Friday. I will update on my progress probably on the day itself or a few days after my trainings. Do check it up! :D

With Pride and Determination 2:32 AM